Bowtie Filter Switching During CT Scans Across Multiple Anatomies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT imaging systems face challenges in acquiring high-quality contrast-enhanced images across different anatomies due to the limited circulation time of contrast agents and the need for different bowtie filters for each anatomy, leading to inefficiencies in image acquisition and increased radiation dose.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a filter assembly that includes multiple bowtie filters and a filter driving system for rapid switching between them, allowing for seamless transitions during scanning based on anatomy changes, while minimizing contrast agent use and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If different bowtie filters are used for different anatomies, then image quality is improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases and scan time increases due to manual filter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic filter selection mechanism where multiple bowtie filters are rapidly switched during the scan based on the anatomy being imaged. The filter driving system moves different filters into the X-ray beam path according to pre-programmed scan protocols, allowing the system to adapt to different anatomies (head, chest, abdomen) without manual intervention, thus improving image quality while maintaining system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging process is segmented into different anatomical regions with specific filters assigned to each region. The system divides the scan into segments (e.g., head scan, chest scan, abdomen scan) and automatically selects the appropriate bowtie filter for each segment, allowing optimized imaging for each anatomy type without requiring manual filter changes throughout the procedure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bowtie filters are manually changed for different anatomies, then imaging versatility is improved, but scan time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter driving system dynamically switches between multiple bowtie filters during the scan based on pre-programmed protocols for different anatomies. This automatic dynamic switching eliminates manual filter changes, maintaining high imaging versatility for different body parts (head, chest, abdomen) while significantly improving scan efficiency and productivity by keeping the scan continuous without interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-programming the scan protocol to include automatic filter switching sequences before the actual scan begins. The filter driving system is pre-configured with the sequence of filters needed for different anatomical regions, allowing the system to automatically execute the correct filter changes during scanning without real-time manual intervention, thus maintaining versatility while improving productivity
3Measurement precision
If contrast agent circulation time is extended for multiple anatomies, then imaging quality is improved, but radiation dose increases due to repeated injections
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the scan protocol to capture multiple anatomies within the limited circulation time of a single contrast agent injection. By using automatic filter switching to rapidly transition between different anatomical regions during one continuous scan, the system maximizes the utilization of contrast agent circulation time, achieving high-quality contrast-enhanced images across multiple anatomies without requiring repeated injections and associated radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by performing uninterrupted scanning through multiple anatomical regions during a single contrast agent circulation phase. The automatic filter switching occurs seamlessly during the continuous scan, ensuring that the contrast enhancement is captured continuously across different anatomies without interruption or need for re-injection, thereby minimizing radiation dose while maintaining imaging quality
4Measurement precision
If manual filter changes are performed between scans, then filter selection accuracy is improved, but time loss increases during filter switching
Solution Approach 1:
The filter driving system provides dynamic, automatic filter switching controlled by pre-programmed scan protocols. The system accurately selects and switches between different bowtie filters based on the scheduled scan sequence for different anatomies, eliminating manual intervention. This automatic dynamic switching maintains precise filter selection accuracy while reducing filter switching time by eliminating manual operations and enabling seamless transitions during continuous scanning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-quality contrast-enhanced imaging of multiple anatomies with a single contrast agent injection by optimizing filter selection and switching, reducing radiation dose and minimizing the number of injections.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source positioned in the gantry for emitting an X-ray beam
Implementation Method 2
acquire a dataset of the imaging subject by detecting attenuated X-rays transmitted through the imaging subject
Implementation Method 3
a bowtie filter may be positioned between the X-ray source and the imaging subject for adjusting the spatial distribution of the radiation energy
Implementation Method 4
the amplitude of signal received by the imaging detector is equalized
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for fasting switching a filter of an imaging system during a scan. In one embodiment, a system comprises a computation device with instructions stored in a non-transient memory to emit an X-ray beam via an X-ray source; move an imaging subject via a motorized table at a nonzero speed; while moving the imaging subject, acquire a dataset of the imaging subject by detecting attenuated X-rays transmitted through the imaging subject via an X-ray detector, wherein a first filter is positioned within the X-ray beam, between the X-ray source and the imaging subject; and while acquiring the dataset, responsive to a change in an anatomy of the imaging subject to be imaged, operate a filter driving system to switch from the first filter to a second filter, wherein during filter switching, the X-ray source does not emit X-rays.